Bone-conduction headphones keep your ears free

Don’t call them earphones: the AfterShokz Sport headphones work by bone conduction, which keeps the ears free. It’s an interesting experience for anyone who works out.

I’ve been expecting the headphone market to slow down for years, and yet novel designs keep showing up, especially in the sport and high-end markets. One of the more interesting things I turned up at this years Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, was the AfterShokz Sport (www.aftershokz.com; $59.95).

AfterShokz wrap over your ears, but don’t cover them. Instead, two pads rest just in front of the ears and transmit your music via bone conduction.

This might sound like just another gimmick, but it’s useful for anyone who works out, especially those who exercise outdoors. With your ears uncovered, you’re able to hear traffic noises, as well as other people around you. It gives you a better sense of your space and makes you feel less isolated.

I took the AfterShokz on several runs and enjoyed being able to hear what was going on around me. Since I usually run at night, it made me feel safer being able to hear anyone nearby.

The AfterShockz aren’t quite as silent as many headphones: at moderate or high volumes the people around you can hear what you’re listening to. The people at AfterShokz say this is because the headphones will vibrate the air, causing the air to conduct sound. I wouldn’t use them on the subway, but they’re great for working out.

All that vibrating uses extra energy, so the AfterShokz cord includes an on/off and volume switch attached to a battery compartment. It’s easy to clip to an armband or shirt while exercising, to keep it in place.

If standard headphones leave you feeling isolated while exercising, give AfterShokz a try. They let you enjoy your music and all the other sounds around you, too.

Follow TROY DREIER at http://twitter.com/TDreier or email him at loggedon@mac.com.